Accident Details
On the day of the accident, a pilot was tasked with a medical evacuation flight to transport a patient from Port Hope Simpson to St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador. The aircraft departed the company’s base of operations at Forteau, Newfoundland and Labrador, at approximately 0620 Newfoundland and Labrador daylight time. At approximately 0650, the pilot made radio contact with the airfield attendant at the Port Hope Simpson Airport, advising that he was four nautical miles from the airport for landing. The weather in Port Hope Simpson was reported to be foggy. No further transmissions were received from the aircraft.
Wreckage Discovery
Although the aircraft could not be seen due to fog, it could be heard west of the field. An application of power was heard, followed shortly thereafter by the sound of an impact. Approximately 30 minutes later, once the fog cleared, smoke was visible in the hills approximately four nautical miles to the west of the Port Hope Simpson Airport. A ground search team was dispatched from Port Hope Simpson, and the wreckage was found at approximately 1100. The sole occupant of the aircraft was fatally injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a severe post-crash fire. There was no emergency locator transmitter signal.
Official Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft departed controlled flight, likely in an aerodynamic stall, and impacted terrain for undetermined reasons. The lack of onboard recording devices prevented the investigation from determining the reasons why the aircraft departed controlled flight.